Sleepless Mountain (30)

Only Kiyoko Stood about ten meters in front of us. Her bloodless skin was covered in a thin layer of frost, Her eyes were just black hollows, Watching us with a gaze not of this world. Her arms were twisted at unnatural angles, Hanging limply from her slender shoulders. A part of her body was missing from her waist. However, Her face wore a grotesque smile, The corners of her mouth pulled up to the point of tearing, Staring at us motionlessly. I've seen many illusions on the mountain in my life, But none have ever been this real, Nor this terrifying. All I remember in the end is Kiyoko, in a way other than herself, Struggling to move her stiff joints, Slowly walking towards us. Mitada, in my arms, stared wide-eyed at Kiyoko, Let out a long sigh from his throat, And became completely still. Then, My vision went black, And I remember nothing else. When I woke up, I was already at the base camp down the mountain. Apparently, Another search and rescue team found me at the end of the M Glacier. The team said they couldn't reach C2 due to the severe weather, So they had to turn back after spending a few nights at C1. They were surprised to find me there, As this route was a full four kilometers away from the U Glacier route. I asked if they had found Mitada or Chen Ming. They both replied that they had only found me, And hadn't seen anything else along the way. So, I recuperated at the base camp for two weeks. Whenever asked what had happened, I remained silent.